GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATIONS UNIT
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
P O Box G1
Honiara, Solomon Islands
PRESS RELEASE
17/06/07
Gov't Approve $1.5 Million For Independence Celebration
The Grand Coalition for Change (GCC) Government last week has approved a total of $1.5 million dollars for preparations
to host the national 29th Anniversary Independence Celebration in Auki Malaita province on July 6.
Chairman of the National Independence Committee and Under Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs Solomon Palusi
announced the approved funding on Thursday.
Mr Palusi said the funds will be used for all preparations towards the Independence Day celebration.
He said transportation costs are expected to consume the largest share of the budget.
This will involve boat charters to transport official vehicles for guests including the Governor General Sir Nathaniel
Waena and Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and other supporting vehicles for logistical work.
Mr Palusi said transportation costs also covered plane hire for VIPs and fast crafts for other invited guests,
entertainment groups and members of the police force.
The independence celebration will be held at the Aligegeo stadium which is expected to host a capacity crowd of over 30
thousand people.
Renovation and ground work on the stadium is expected to be completed this week.
Meanwhile preparations for the National Trade and Cultural Show are also underway in Auki.
The show starts on June 30 and will be concluded on July 8.
END